Coin meter



March 9, 1965 H. GREENWALD COIN METER Filed June 25, 1962 FIG.5

FIG.6

INVENTOR Harry Greenwald ATTORNEY REJECTOR COIL STEPPER So NOID MACHINE TIMER SEQUENCE FIG.'I

FIG. 3 Com SWITCH FIG.4

United States Patent 3,172,520 COIN METER Harry Greenwald, Whitestone, N.Y., assignor of onethird each to Louis Wolif and Harris Silberglait, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Filed June 25, 1962, Ser. No. 204,908 4 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates in general to a coin meter, and more specifically to a coin meter for controlling the operating cycle of coin operated, automatic machines upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denominations.

Coin operated machines in daily use, or for example, washing machines, driers, and vending machines of all kinds are provided with coin meters which require the insertion of a coin before the operating cycle of the machine is initiated. Heretofore, many types of coin meter mechanisms have been developed for use with such machines. Many of these coin meters are constructed and designed to initiate the machine cycle upon the insertion of only a single coin of given value. Other meters are in existence which are constructed for accepting several coins of different denominations. Still others are arranged to simultaneously accept several coins at the same time. Generally such coin meters comprise relatively complicated mechanical mechanism 'oftentimes utilized in conjunction with complicated electrical components. For these reasons, the known coin meters are relatively expensive and are applicable for use in a given machine only. 7

Further, each of the above mentioned types of coin meters are specifically constructed to operate a machine cycle only after one fixed monetary value has been inserted in coin. For this reason should the monetary value for operating a given cycle for any given machine be raised or lowered, it was heretofore necessary to exchange the entire coin meter for another one designed to operate in accordance with the changed value. Consequently, any variance in the amount or monetary value necessary for operating a given machine heretofore involved a relatively costly replacement of the entire coin meter assembly.

An object is to provide an economy coin meter constructed and arranged to accept one or more coins of like denominations.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved coin meter which can be readily adjusted for accepting one or more coins of like denominations so that the monetary value required for operating a given machine can be varied within a minimum of cost and a maximum of ease, and without the necessity of interchanging the entire meter assembly.

Another object is to provide an economy coin meter adapted to accept one or more coins whereby the number of coins required to initiate an operating cycle can be readily changed by a single adjustment and by the interchangeability of only a component part thereof.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an economy coin meter for accepting one or more coins of like denominations that is relatively simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to fabricate, and positive in operation.

In accordance with this invention the above objects,

and other features and advantages are attained by an economy coin meter which comprises in essence a mounting bracket to which a conventional and well known coin rejecting mechanism is connected. Operatively associated with the coin rejecting mechanism is a coin switch which is adapted to be actuated by each acceptable coin passing through the coin rejecting mechanism.

3,172,526 Patented Mar. 9, l 965 Rotatably mounted on the bracket is a rotating star cam and a cooperating actuating cam connected for rotation therewith. Operatively associated with the actuating cam is a power switch.

In accordance with this invention means are operatively connected in a suitable circuit with the coin switch for advancing the coin counting star cam each time the coin switch is actuated. The star cam and actuating cam are indexed so that upon the insertion of the last coin of a predetermined number of coins, the actuating cam rotating with the star cam actnatcs the power switch to initiate the operating cycle of the machine. Immediately before the end of the operating machine cycle, the star cam and its associated actuated actuating cam is again actuated to open the power switch, thereby de-energizing or stopping the operating cycle of the machine. In accordance with this invention, an indexing holding means is provided to effect the necessary adjustment of the meter for adapting it to any of several given number of coins required to be deposited to initiate the operating cycle of the machine.

A feature of this invention resides in an arrangement whereby the star cam and actuating cam are constructed and arranged so that they cooperate in a novel manner to determine the number of coins that will operate the machine cycle. Consequently any change in the number of acceptable coins required to initiate a given cycle can be determined by utilization of any of several star cam and cooperating actuating cam sets, which are specifically constructed to operate for a given number of coins and which are rendered interchangeable to effect the end result desired.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and descriptions in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the economy coin meter assembly of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic wiring diagram for illustrating the operating circuit of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of a particular star cam.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a cooperating actuating cam for use with the star cam of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detail of a modified star cam.

FIG. 7 is a detail of a modified actuating cam for use with the star cam of FIG. 6.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the coin meter assembly 10 of the instant invention. In accordance with this invention, the meter assembly 10 is constructed to accept from one to eleven or more coins of like denominations. The assembly is mounted in a suitable housing 11 which is shown in part. The housing 11 is provided with a coin slot 12, through which the coins are inserted and the usual coin return push button 13 positioned adjacent the coin slot.

' Disposed within the housing 11 is a mounting bracket 14 on which a conventional coin rejecting mechanism 15 is detachably connected by means of a latch 16 pivotallyconnected to flange 14A of the mounting bracket '14. Operatively associated with the coin rejecting mechanism 15 is a coin switch 17. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin switch 17 includes a trip wire or actuator 17A which has its end portion traversing the coin channel 18. In operation the coins inserted through the coin slot 12 pass through the coin rejecting mechanism. 15. The reject mechanism 15 in turn functions to distinguish between acceptable coins and unacceptable coins in a manner well known. Therefore, all unacceptable coins and/0r coins inserted when the machine is not supplied with power are returned to the coin return box of the meter (not shown). Acceptable coins in turn are directed to the coin reservoir of the machine via coin channel 18. In doing so coin switch 17 is actuated each time an acceptable coin trips the switch actuator 17A.

In accordance with this invention a star cam or ratchet 19 is rotatably mounted on a spindle 20 disposed on the mounting bracket. As shown, the star cam 19 is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced points 19A. In accordance with this invention the number of teeth or points 19A provided on the star cam 19 is determined by the number of coins required to render the machine cycle operative, as will be hereinafter described. Connected to the spindle 20 and rendered rotatable with the star cam 19 is a cooperating actuating cam 21. As shown, the actuating cam 21 comprises preferably a circular disc having one or more notches 21A formed in and spaced about the periphery thereof. In accordance with this invention, the number of notches 21A in a given cam 21 is determined by the number of points 19A on star cam 19 cooperating therewith.

Operatively associated with the actuator cam 21 is a switch means 22. In accordance with this invention, switch means 22 comprises a double throw, double pole switch having two pair of contacts arranged to define a power switch A and a meter by-pass switch C. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch means 22 includes a spring loaded operator 22A and 22C for each pair of contacts which are normally biased in tandem relationship toward the actuator cam 21; the operator 22C having wedged shaped tip 23. The arrangement is such that when the tip 23 of spring loaded operator 22C of switch means 22 lodges in one of the notches 21A of cam 21, the power switch A is closed to energize the machine sequence timer T, and switch C is moved to its C2 position as shown in FIG. 3. When the tip 23 of spring loaded actuator 220 is riding on the lobe portion 21B of the actuator cam, the power switch A is in its A1 position so that the circuit to the timer T is open, and switch C is in its C1 position.

In accordance with this invention, means for indexing the star cam 19 upon the acceptance of each coin inserted includes a solenoid 24 having a reciprocating plunger 25. Connected to the free end of the solenoid plunger 25 is a ratchet arm 26, and pivotally connected about pivot 27 is a ratchet pawl 28. The ratchet pawl 28 is biased by a spring 29 so that the end of the pawl 28 engages the star cam 19 between adjacent points 19A thereof. A coil spring 30 disposed about the plunger 25 normally biases the plunger 25 and ratchet arm 26 toward inoperative position.

The solenoid 24 is connected in a suitable circuit with the coin switch 17. Therefore, each time a coin actuates the coin switch 17, the solenoid 24 is energized. Each time the solenoid 24 is energized the plunger 25 is retracted causing the ratchet arm 26 and pawl 28 to move to the right, as seen in FIG. 1, to index the star cam 19 and associated actuating cam 21. Upon de-energization of the solenoid 24, the solenoid plunger 25, connected ratchet arm 26, and pawl 28 return to normal inoperative protracted position due to the spring action of solenoid spring 30.

To prevent counter rotation of the star cam 19 upon return of the ratchet arm 26 and pawl 28, an index holding means 31 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the index holding means 31 includes a lever 32 which is journaled to the cam spindle 20. The free end 32A of the lever is provided with a pin 33 which is adapted to ride in an arcuate adjusting slot 34 on bracket 14. As shown, a flat spring 35 is fixed to a bent lug portion 36 of lever 32. Connected to the free end of the flat spring 35 is the index holder 37 which is adapted to be received between adjacent points 19A of the star cam 19. It will be noted that the index holder 37 has inclined surfaces on the tip end thereof. Thus, as the star cam 19 is indexed in a clockwise direction each time the solenoid 24 is actuated, the points in engagement with holder 37 will be cammed over the spring mounted index holder 37 with the latter retaining the star cam 19 in its advanced position as the ratchet arm 26 and pawl 28 are returned to position behind the star point 19A previously advanced.

In order to adjust the coin meter to any given number of coins whereby the power switch A is actuated upon the insertion of the last coin of said given number to initiate the operating cycle of the machine controlled thereby, a series of indices 38 are scribed in the surface of the bracket 14 and an index mark 39 is scribed on the adjusting lever 32. By aligning the mark 39 on the lever with a corresponding indice mark 38 on the bracket, the coin meter can be set to operate the power switch A to energize the circuit to the timer T whenever one of the predetermined number of coins, as indicated adjacent each indice, is received, providing the proper cam set is placed in the meter.

In the illustrated embodiment the meter can be adjusted to initiate the cycle upon the insertion of from one to eleven coins of like denomination. The number of coins required to operate the cycle is determined by both the appropriate cam set and position of the adjusting lever 32. The appropriate cam set, i.e. star cam 19 and cooperating actuating cam 21 for operating the cycle upon the insertion of a predetermined number of coins is selected in accordance with the following table:

From the above table it will be noted that for the coin meter to operate upon the insertion of one coin, a twelve point star cam and a six notched actuating cam is required; for two coins, a twelve point cam is combined with a four notched actuating cam, etc. Thus with the appropriate cams paired as indicated above and with the adjusting lever set to the proper indice as indicated, the meter can be readily adjusted to operate the cycle upon the insertion of any of selective number of coins set forth in the above table. The purpose of positioning the indexing holder 37 is to place it relative to the star cam so that it may properly engage the star points of a given cam which will vary in number of points accordingly to the number of coins required.

From the above table it will be noted that the general formula for determining the number of star points is (n+1)C where n=number of coins required to initiate the cycle C=a constant equal to the number of cycles actuated per one revolution of the star cam The general formula for determining the notches for the cooperating cam is (1)C where C=a constant equal to the number of cycles actuated per one revolution of the cam For example, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the details of a cam set for operating a cycle upon each insertion of four coins of like denomination. As shown, the star cam 40 of FIG. 4 is provided with twenty points 40A equally spaced about the periphery of the star cam. The cooperating actuating cam 42 of FIG. 5 comprises a disc having four notches 42A equidistantly spaced with an arcuate cam node 42B disposed between each notch 42A. Therefore, upon one revolution of the cam set 40, 42, the machine cycle is operated four times.

FIGS. 6'and 7 illustrate a modified cam set. As shown, star cam 45 of FIG. 6 has eleven points 45A and its cooperating cam 46 has one notch 46A. This cam set can be rendered interchangeable with the above described cam set. Asindicated by the above chart, this cam set is constructed to effect operation of the machine cycle upon the insertion of ten coins of like denomination, and according to the formulae, one cycle is had per revolution of the cam set.

Referring to the circuit diagram of FIG. 3, it will be noted that between the main power lines 50 and 51, the power switch A is disposed to alternately make and break the circuit to the rejector coil G and a machine sequence timer T. Connected in series with contact A1 of power switch A and rejector coil is the coin switch 17. In series with the B1 contact of the coin switch 17 is the stepper coil F of the solenoid 24. A sequence timer by-pass switch D is disposed in parallel with the power switch A, and it functions to make the circuit to the solenoid coil F near the end of the timer cycle. In series with the timer by-pass switch D is a meter bypass switch C, the latter having its contact C1 connected in series with contact A2 of the power switch and with the machine timer T. The C2 contact of switch C is connected in series with the stepper coil F of the solenoid. As shown, the dotted position of switch A and C indicated the position of the respective switches when the operating cycle of the machine is running.

In operation, the circuit functions as follows:

When the machine is ready to accept coins, the power switch A is in the A1 position, as indicated by the solid line. Thus the machine timer circuit is open. The meter by-pass switch C is in its C1 position, and the coin switch 17 is in its B2 position at which time the rejector coil G is energized. With the meter fitted with the proper cam set, as indicated in the above table, and the index holding means 34 properly set, insertion of the first coin will actuate the coin switch 17 to its B1 position to supply an impulse for actuating the stepper coil F. The operation of the solenoid coil F will reciprocate the plunger 25 to advance the star cam 19 one point. In advancing the star earn, the actuating cam 21 is also rotated. With the operators 22A and 22C of the power switch A riding the node 21B of the cam 21, the circuit to the machine timer T is open. The remaining coins are inserted, and each in turn supplies an impulse for actuating the stepper solenoid F to advance the star cam 19. Upon the insertion of the last coin, the power start switch A moves into its A2 position by the falling of its operator 22A into the notch 21A of the actuating cam 21, as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, when the power switch A is moved into its A2 position, it completes the circuit to the sequence timer T, allowing the machine cycle to operate. The power switch A in moving to position A2 opens the circuit to the rejector coil G resulting in de-energizing the same. Thus the de-energized circuit to the rejector coil allows the meter to reject and return coins until the cycle has been completed.

By-pass switch D in the sequence timer T is connected in the circuit independent of the power switch A, and it is set to close near the end of the machine cycle. When it closes, it provides power to the meter through the meter by-pass switch C which is now in its C2 position to energize the solenoid coil F. When this occurs the solenoid plunger 25 actuates the cam set. In doing so, the power switch A is cammed up onto the node 21B of the actuating cam to open the circuit to the sequence timer T. In this now open position of switch A, the meter by-pass switch C also moves from its C2 position to its C1 position. As a result, though the power to the sequence timer T through the power switch A is cut oif, power is nevertheless maintained to the sequence timer T through the by-pass switches D and C. Therefore, when the by-pass switch C opens, the machine cycle is completed and power to the unit is shut off. Thus the machine is ready for initiating another cycle upon the insertion of the proper amount of coins.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the coin meter can operate for any given number of coins by merely employing the proper cam set, as described and by adjusting the lever 32 in its proper position. Thus the coin meter can be utilized with machines which require different monetary values to operate the same. Also the value or number of coins to operate a given machine can be changed without requiring the heretofore interchange of the entire meter assembly. Therefore, in accordance with this invention, meter changeover can be effective with a minimum of expense and a maximum of case.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to adapting the coin meter for use with from one to eleven coins, it will be readily apparent that by properly formed cam sets, a meter may be adjusted to accept more than eleven coins.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, an economy coin meter for initiating the operation cycle of a machine upon the insertion therein of a predetermined number of coins of like denominations for totaling a given monetary value comprising a mounting bracket, a coin rejecting means mounted on said bracket for detecting between acceptable and unacceptable coins, a coin switch operatively associated with said coin rejecting means, said coin switch being actuated by each coin accepted by said coin rejecting means, a coin counting cam rotatably journalled on said bracket, said coin counting cam including a star wheel having (N +1)C number of star points wherein N equals the number of coins required to initiate the cycle, and C equals a constant equal to the number of cycles actuated per one revolution of the star cam, a solenoid operatively connected in a circuit with said coin switch, said solenoid being energized each time said coin switch is actuated, a ratchet assembly arm, said assembly including a ratchet arm connected to said solenoid, a pawl pivotally connected to said arm, said pawl being adapted to engage the star points of said coin counting cam for rotating the same upon each actuation of said solenoid, a machine sequencing timer, a power switch for energizing the machine sequence timer, a power switch actuating cam connected to said coin counting cam for rotation therewith each time said coin counting cam is indexed, said actuating cam including a circular member having a plurality of inwardly extending notches circumferentially spaced about the periphery thereof wherein the number of said notches equals 1(0) wherein C equals a constant equal to the number of cycles per one revolution of the actuating cam, said power switch having an operator arranged to engage the periphery of said switch actuating cam, and said switch operator closing said power switch when it falls into one of said notches of said actuating cam to initiate the machine cycle when said coin counting cam and connected switch actuating cam have been indexed a predetermined number of times, and said sequencing timer including means to actuate said solenoid at the end of said cycle whereby said solenoid actuates said coin counting cam and associated switch actuating cam to open said power switch.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 including an index bracket assembly, said bracket assembly comprising an index bracket connected to said mounting bracket, an index spring connected to said index bracket, a stop connected to the end of said spring for engaging the points of said star cam to prevent back lash of said star cam on the return stroke of said ratchet pawl, and means for References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Smith.

Geiser 1949 Truesdell 194--9 Stewart 194-102 Haverstick 1949 Michaels 1949 New 1941 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION AN ECONOMY COIN METER FOR INITIATING THE OPERATION CYCLE OF A MACHINE UPON THE INSERTION THEREIN OF A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF COINS OF THE LIKE DENOMINATIONS FOR TOTALING A GIVEN MONETARY VALUE COMPRINGING A MOUNTING BRACKET, A COIN REJECTING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BRACKET FOR DETECTING BETWEEN ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE COINS, A COIN SWITCH OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID COIN REJECTING MEANS, SAID COIN SWITCH BEING ACTUATED BY EACH COIN ACCEPTED BY SAID COIN REJECTING MEANS, A COIN COUNTING CAM ROTATABLY JOURNALLED ON SAID BRACKET, SAID COIN COUNTING CAM INCLUDING A STAR WHEEL HAVING (N+1)C NUMBER OF STAT POINTS WHEREIN N EQUALS THE NUMBER OF COINS REQUIRED TO INITIATE THE CYCLE, AND C EQUALS A CONSTANT EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF CYCLES ACTUATED PER ONE REVOLUTION OF THE STAR CAM, A SOLENOID OPERATIVELY CONNECTED IN CIRCUIT WITH SAID COIN SWITCH, SAID SOLENOID BEING ENERGIZED EACH TIME SAID COIN SWITCH IS ACTUATED, A RATCHET ASSEMBLY ARM, SAID ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A RATCHET ARM CONNECTED TO SAID SOLENOID, A PAWL PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID ARM, SAID PAWL BEING ADPATED TO ENGAGE THE STAR POINTS OF SAID COIN COUNTING CAM FOR ROTATING THE SAME UPON EACH ACTUATION OF SAID SOLENOID, A MACHINE SEQUENCING TIMER, A POWER SWITCH FOR ENRGIZ- 